Summer Slips in NYC: Can You Sue for a Sidewalk Fall?

New York City summers bring sunshine, open storefronts, and lively foot traffic. But they also bring dangerous sidewalks—cracked pavement, wet store entrances, and loose tiles that send thousands of people to the ER each year.

If you slipped, tripped, or fell on a New York sidewalk this summer, you may be wondering: Can I sue? And who’s responsible? Let’s break it down.

Who’s Responsible for NYC Sidewalks?

Liability depends on where the fall occurred:

• Sidewalk in front of private property (business or residence): The adjacent property owner is typically responsible for keeping it safe and well-maintained.
• Municipal or city-owned property: If you were injured on a city-controlled sidewalk (like near a park or government building), NYC itself may be liable.
• Tree pits, curbside gaps, and sidewalk cellar doors: These can involve shared liability between the city and private owners.

Property owners must fix defects, remove hazards, and warn pedestrians of dangers. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they can be held accountable under NYC law.

Common Causes of Summer Sidewalk Injuries

The warm weather brings new hazards to the streets:

• Uneven pavement from heat-related expansion
• Slippery A/C runoff pooling near entrances
• Wet floors in stores spilling onto sidewalks
• Loose tiles or broken sidewalk grates
• Unmarked sidewalk cellar doors

Many of these issues become more frequent during the summer months—especially in busy areas like Midtown, SoHo, and Williamsburg.

‍What You Must Prove to Win a Sidewalk Injury Case

To have a successful sidewalk slip-and-fall claim in New York, you’ll need to prove:

1. Duty of care: The property owner (or city) had a legal obligation to maintain the sidewalk.
2. Negligence: They failed to act reasonably (e.g., didn’t repair a known hazard).
3. Causation: That failure directly caused your fall.
4. Damages: You suffered losses—like medical bills, lost income, or pain.

Gathering photo evidence, witness statements, and medical records is key to building a strong case.

How Long Do You Have to Sue?

The deadline depends on who you're suing:

• Private property owner: You have up to 3 years from the date of the fall.
• NYC or public entity: You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident—and the lawsuit must follow within 1 year and 90 days.

That’s why it’s critical to act quickly, especially if your fall involved public property.

Damages You Can Recover

Sidewalk injuries can lead to serious health and financial consequences. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room and medical bills
• Lost wages or job time
• Rehabilitation or long-term disability
• Pain, emotional distress, and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

‍Call the Law Offices of Jason G. Krantz, P.C.

We’ve represented countless New Yorkers injured in sidewalk accidents—from slippery storefronts in SoHo to cracked pavement in the Bronx.

If your injury was caused by negligence, we’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

📞 Free case evaluations are available now.

👉 injurylaw.support
Let’s talk about what happened—and what your next step should be.

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